Book Review: The Web of Fire

Author

Steve Voake

Publication date

19 January 2006

The story

This is the sequel to The Dreamwalker's Child and we rejoin Sam and Skipper as they return to a fantastic world - the Kingdom of Aurobon - full of giant insects and where a major battle between good and evil is raging.

The trouble is the war isn't confined to Aurobon. Baddie Odoursin is plotting to destroy humankind - this time by using the President of the United States!

The characters

Skipper is a gutsy girl who comes up with some ingenious ideas for getting out of scrapes. Sam is her friend and less enthusiastic about going into battle - but who can blame him?

They're joined by a host of other exciting characters - friends Zip and Mump, brave Firebrand and whizzy scientist Alya among others.

Highlights

Sam ends up in the hands of the evil Odoursin who discovers where his friends are - and goes out to destroy them in a big showdown.

There's also an exciting bit when the President of the USA thinks he's under threat of a nuclear strike and starts the procedure for a counter attack!

Any weak bits?

It's difficult to get into the start of the book - especially if you haven't read the prequel.

But once you've got your head around the giant insect flying machines and the magical kingdoms, you're off on a dramatic journey with twists and turns at every point!

Unputdownable?

Once you get into the book, the story moves really quickly and you'll want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens.

Click here to read Steve Voake's 'author on the spot'

NR rating:

Have you read this book?

The book sounds brilliant. His first book was absolutely superb - I can't wait to read it.

Abbie, 11, Trowbridge

It's SERIOUSLY unputdownable!!

Rowan, 14, Newcastle